Calathea, also known as the Prayer Plant, is a common houseplant with gorgeous foliage. For many of us adding this to our homes, it is important to ask the question: are calathea plants toxic to pets? Calathea plants earn the name prayer plant because when the sun shines on its leaves it opens very wide, and when the sun sets, they close up like folded hands.
Calathea is a genus of nearly 300 plant species native to tropical America in the Marantaceae (arrowroot) family. I am one of those people who will be fighting the new genus name, Goeppertia, for a long time. I will forever call my rattlesnake plant Calathea lancifolia instead of Goeppertia insignis. Because of its attractive leaves and relaxing properties, it is one of the most popular plants.
Tropical plants thrive in low to medium light, which makes them ideal indoor plants because they flourish in partly shadowed areas. Avoid exposing them to too much direct sunlight, as this can dull the leaves and possibly cause them to become scorched or sunburned. You would anticipate these houseplants to thrive in high-humidity environments, as do most tropical plants (mist them regularly if you live in drier areas or invest in a humidifier).
Keep their soil moist but not soggy, since this can cause browning of their leaves, and the soil should be well-drained and porous to avoid root rot, which can destroy the plant. Water your lovely botanical once a week, and it will flourish.
But, even if it enhances the attractiveness of your home, the question ‘are calathea plants are toxic to pets?’ remains a popular one.
Are Calathea plants toxic to pets?
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, all types of Calatheas are non-toxic to both pets and humans. The calathea plant is safe for all pets, including cats, dogs, rabbits, and birds. However, some pets may chew on calathea leaves, rendering them unattractive.
Calathea orbifolia, Calathea medallion, Calathea rufibarba, Calathea ornata, Calathea lancifolia (Rattlesnake Plant), Calathea makoyana (peacock plants) are all safe for cats, dogs, and horses. See? I am still calling them calathea instead of Goeppertia!
Because it contains no hazardous or irritating compounds, your pet will not be harmed by eating, rubbing against, or otherwise engaging with the calathea plant. Calathea is non-toxic to pets and people according to the USDA.
Calathea is non-toxic, non-poisonous, and non-harmful to cats, dogs, and horses. It is not harmful, but if your cat eats a lot of it, it can cause stomach problems. These species, on the other hand, eat only a modest amount of grass on a daily basis. As a result, do not be shocked if you discover your cat eating it.
No plant elements, such as leaves, stems, trunks, or roots contain any substances that may hurt your cat.
Is Calathea Pet-Friendly?
Calathea is a pet-friendly plant. A calathea does not poison any cat or dog species. But your cat can harm your plants by climbing them. Calathea does not emit any harmful substances, hence pets are safe in this situation. But, ingesting a lot of leaves could be hazardous to one’s health.
Is Calathea plant Cat-Friendly?
Yes, Calathea is a cat-friendly plant. Both a cat and a calathea can be kept in the same home. Keep an eye on your cat to make sure it is not harming the plant in any way, or you will have to take measures to keep the plant safe from the cat.
Is Calathea plant Dog-Friendly?
Yes, it is. Dogs are unaffected by Calathea. Calathea is a fantastic houseplant because it is not dangerous to your dog too. If your dog eats the leaves of your Calathea, it will shock the plant, therefore instruct him not to approach it or store it on a shelf where he can not reach it.
Why are calathea safe for pets?
Calatheas are completely safe for pets because they have no harmful ingredients. Some houseplants are toxic to pets because they contain compounds (such as insoluble calcium oxalates) that, when swallowed, can cause extreme discomfort and even organ failure. Pets can be harmed by the water that surrounds the stems of certain houseplants or cut flowers.
It is your pet’s grooming habits, not their nibbling or chewing on foliage, that puts them in the most danger of ingesting poisons. Even a small amount of contaminated plant materials mistakenly swallowed by a pet might create difficulties.
Lilies, for example, are so toxic that merely wiping lily pollen from a cat’s fur or whiskers can cause kidney failure and death. Calathea, on the other hand, lacks these chemical compounds and is a natural food source for herbivores.
How can calathea be toxic to pets?
If the calathea plant has not been treated with a systemic pesticide, a topical pesticide, or had the leaves shined with a petroleum-based cleaning, it can be pet-friendly. Any of these factors, when combined or alone, can make a pet severely sick or even kill them. We will also mention that solidified fertilizers can be toxic if ingested directly from the soil. Large amounts of any plant can induce stomach distress, excessive salivation, diarrhea, and other problems. With these suggestions in mind, it is best if you can keep plants out of reach of pets and small children until they are trained.
Calathea plants make great, sometimes challenging, houseplants
Greenery can still be used to decorate your house and garden without endangering your pets. Calathea plants are absolutely suitable for cats and dogs and may be used to brighten your home. Calathea is one of the houseplants that can be kept alongside pets without harming them and add beautiful foliage to your home too.